The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has included Kanlaon Volcano as among the volcanoes that airmen should avoid flying in close proximity.

In a public briefing yesterday, CAAP spokesperson, Eric Apolonio said Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) B1957/23 had been issued, advising flight operators to avoid flying in close proximity to Kanlaon Volcano’s summit due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

Such eruptions pose a significant hazard to aircraft from the surface up to 10,000 feet, it said.

Kanlaon Volcano has been under Alert Level 1 (abnormal) since March 11, 2020.

Moderate plume emissions 300 meters high and five volcanic earthquakes have been recorded for the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Meanwhile, CAAP said on Monday, June 5, NOTAM B1959/23 and B1958/23 have been issued to advise pilots to avoid flying near the summits of Mayon and Taal volcanoes.

Phivolcs also raised the Mayon Volcano’s alert level from Level 1 (abnormal) to Level 2 (increased unrest) due to increased rockfall.

On the other hand, Taal Volcano has been under Alert Level 1 since July 11, 2022.

However, an increase in its degassing activity has been observed over the weekend.

Sudden volcano eruptions may pose threats to aircraft up to 10,000 feet, the CAAP said.

CAAP operates seven airports in the Bicol Region — Bulan Airport, Sorsogon Airport, Daet Airport, Masbate Airport, Naga Airport, Virac Airport, and Bicol International Airport.

Apolonio said flight cancellations due to volcano eruptions are unlikely, based on past experiences.

Instead, personnel at the Air Traffic Control Tower could guide the pilots on the flight paths, he said. (PNA)